RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell asked a judge for mercy for his wife, as well as himself, before being sentenced to two years in prison for public corruption.
Tuesday’s sentence was much lighter than what prosecutors wanted and likely foreshadows similar treatment for Maureen McDonnell when she is sentenced next month for her role in the bribery scandal, legal experts say.
“Her circumstances will be considered individually, and I would expect her sentence to be somewhat lower than the ex-governor since she did not breach the public’s trust to the degree that her husband did,” said Jeff Bellin, a professor at the College of William and Mary Law School and a former federal prosecutor.
Another good sign for Maureen McDonnell is that U.S. District Judge James Spencer tossed out one of her convictions last year, leaving only eight – three less than her husband.
“This all adds up to what’s likely to be a fairly minimal sentence for her,” said Scott Fredericksen, another former federal prosecutor and now a defense attorney.